Training for endovascular therapy of acute arterial disease and procedure-related complication: An extracorporeally-perfused human cadaver model study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability of a recently developed extracorporeally-perfused cadaver model for training the angiographic management of acute arterial diseases and periprocedural complications that may occur during endovascular therapy of the lower extremity arterial runoff. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Continuous extracorporeal perfusion was established in three fresh-frozen body donors via inguinal and infragenicular access. Using digital subtraction angiography for guidance, both arterial embolization (e.g., embolization using coils, vascular plugs, particles, and liquid embolic agents) and endovascular recanalization procedures (e.g., manual aspiration or balloon-assisted embolectomy) as well as various embolism protection devices were tested. Furthermore, the management of complications during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, such as vessel dissection and rupture, were exercised by implantation of endovascular dissection repair system or covered stents. Interventions were performed by two board-certified interventional radiologists and one resident with only limited angiographic experience. RESULTS: Stable extracorporeal perfusion was successfully established on both thighs of all three body donors. Digital subtraction angiography could be performed reliably and resulted in realistic artery depiction. The model allowed for repeatable training of endovascular recanalization and arterial embolization procedures with typical tactile feedback in a controlled environment. Furthermore, the handling of more complex angiographic devices could be exercised. Whereas procedural success was be ascertained for most endovascular interventions, thrombectomies procedures were not feasible in some cases due to the lack of inherent coagulation. CONCLUSION: The presented perfusion model is suitable for practicing time-critical endovascular interventions in the lower extremity runoff under realistic but controlled conditions.

Photon-Counting Detector CT for Femoral Stent Imaging in an Extracorporeally Perfused Human Cadaveric Model.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study aims to compare the performance of first-generation dual-source photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) to third-generation dual-source energy-integrating detector (EID-CT) regarding stent imaging in the femoral arterial runoff. METHODS: Continuous extracorporeal perfusion was established in 1 human cadaver using an inguinal and infragenicular access and peristaltic pump. Seven peripheral stents were implanted into both superior femoral arteries by means of percutaneous angioplasty. Radiation dose-equivalent CT angiographies (high-/medium-/low-dose: 10/5/3 mGy) with constant tube voltage of 120 kVp, matching iterative reconstruction algorithm levels, and convolution kernels were used both with PCD-CT and EID-CT. In-stent lumen visibility, luminal and in-stent attenuation as well as contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were assessed via region of interest and diameter measurements. Results were compared using analyses of variance and regression analyses. RESULTS: Maximum in-stent lumen visibility achieved with PCD-CT was 94.48% ± 2.62%. The PCD-CT protocol with the lowest lumen visibility (BV40: 78.93% ± 4.67%) performed equal to the EID-CT protocol with the best lumen visibility (BV59: 79.49% ± 2.64%, P > 0.999). Photon-counting detector CT yielded superior CNR compared with EID-CT regardless of kernel and dose level ( P < 0.001). Maximum CNR was 48.8 ± 17.4 in PCD-CT versus 31.28 ± 5.7 in EID-CT (both BV40, high-dose). The theoretical dose reduction potential of PCD-CT over EID-CT was established at 88% (BV40), 83% (BV48/49), and 73% (BV59/60), respectively. In-stent attenuation was not significantly different from luminal attenuation outside stents in any protocol. CONCLUSIONS: With superior lumen visibility and CNR, PCD-CT allowed for noticeable dose reduction over EID-CT while maintaining image quality in a continuously perfused human cadaveric model.

Comparison of ultrahigh and standard resolution photon-counting CT angiography of the femoral arteries in a continuously perfused in vitro model.

BACKGROUND: With the emergence of photon-counting CT, ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) imaging can be performed without dose penalty. This study aims to directly compare the image quality of UHR and standard resolution (SR) scan mode in femoral artery angiographies. METHODS: After establishing continuous extracorporeal perfusion in four fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens, photon-counting CT angiographies were performed with a radiation dose of 5 mGy and tube voltage of 120 kV in both SR and UHR mode. Images were reconstructed with dedicated convolution kernels (soft: Body-vascular (Bv)48; sharp: Bv60; ultrasharp: Bv76). Six radiologists evaluated the image quality by means of a pairwise forced-choice comparison tool. Kendall's concordance coefficient (W) was calculated to quantify interrater agreement. Image quality was further assessed by measuring intraluminal attenuation and image noise as well as by calculating signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR). RESULTS: UHR yielded lower noise than SR for identical reconstructions with kernels ≥ Bv60 (p < 0.001). UHR scans exhibited lower intraluminal attenuation compared to SR (Bv60: 406.4 ± 25.1 versus 418.1 ± 30.1 HU; p < 0.001). Irrespective of scan mode, SNR and CNR decreased while noise increased with sharper kernels but UHR scans were objectively superior to SR nonetheless (Bv60: SNR 25.9 ± 6.4 versus 20.9 ± 5.3; CNR 22.7 ± 5.8 versus 18.4 ± 4.8; p < 0.001). Notably, UHR scans were preferred in subjective assessment when images were reconstructed with the ultrasharp Bv76 kernel, whereas SR was rated superior for Bv60. Interrater agreement was high (W = 0.935). CONCLUSIONS: Combinations of UHR scan mode and ultrasharp convolution kernel are able to exploit the full image quality potential in photon-counting CT angiography of the femoral arteries. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The UHR scan mode offers improved image quality and may increase diagnostic accuracy in CT angiography of the peripheral arterial runoff when optimized reconstruction parameters are chosen. KEY POINTS: • UHR photon-counting CT improves image quality in combination with ultrasharp convolution kernels. • UHR datasets display lower image noise compared with identically reconstructed standard resolution scans. • Scans in UHR mode show decreased intraluminal attenuation compared with standard resolution imaging.

Standardized assessment of vascular reconstruction kernels in photon-counting CT angiographies of the leg using a continuous extracorporeal perfusion model.

This study evaluated the influence of different vascular reconstruction kernels on the image quality of CT angiographies of the lower extremity runoff using a 1st-generation photon-counting-detector CT (PCD-CT) compared with dose-matched examinations on a 3rd-generation energy-integrating-detector CT (EID-CT). Inducing continuous extracorporeal perfusion in a human cadaveric model, we performed CT angiographies of eight upper leg arterial runoffs with radiation dose-equivalent 120 kVp acquisition protocols (CTDIvol 5 mGy). Reconstructions were executed with different vascular kernels, matching the individual modulation transfer functions between scanners. Signal-to-noise-ratios (SNR) and contrast-to-noise-ratios (CNR) were computed to assess objective image quality. Six radiologists evaluated image quality subjectively using a forced-choice pairwise comparison tool. Interrater agreement was determined by calculating Kendall's concordance coefficient (W). The intraluminal attenuation of PCD-CT images was significantly higher than of EID-CT (414.7 ± 27.3 HU vs. 329.3 ± 24.5 HU; p < 0.001). Using comparable kernels, image noise with PCD-CT was significantly lower than with EID-CT (p ≤ 0.044). Correspondingly, SNR and CNR were approximately twofold higher for PCD-CT (p < 0.001). Increasing the spatial frequency for PCD-CT reconstructions by one level resulted in similar metrics compared to EID-CT (CNRfat; EID-CT Bv49: 21.7 ± 3.7 versus PCD-CT Bv60: 21.4 ± 3.5). Overall image quality of PCD-CTA achieved ratings superior to EID-CTA irrespective of the used reconstruction kernels (best: PCD-CT Bv60; worst: EID-CT Bv40; p < 0.001). Interrater agreement was good (W = 0.78). Concluding, PCD-CT offers superior intraluminal attenuation, SNR, and CNR compared to EID-CT in angiographies of the upper leg arterial runoff. Combined with improved subjective image quality, PCD-CT facilitates the use of sharper convolution kernels and ultimately bears the potential of improved vascular structure assessability.

Continuous extracorporeal femoral perfusion model for intravascular ultrasound, computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography.

OBJECTIVES: We developed a novel human cadaveric perfusion model with continuous extracorporeal femoral perfusion suitable for performing intra-individual comparison studies, training of interventional procedures and preclinical testing of endovascular devices. Objective of this study was to introduce the techniques and evaluate the feasibility for realistic computed tomography angiography (CTA), digital subtraction angiography (DSA) including vascular interventions, and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). METHODS: The establishment of the extracorporeal perfusion was attempted using one formalin-fixed and five fresh-frozen human cadavers. In all specimens, the common femoral and popliteal arteries were prepared, introducer sheaths inserted, and perfusion established by a peristaltic pump. Subsequently, we performed CTA and bilateral DSA in five cadavers and IVUS on both legs of four donors. Examination time without unintentional interruption was measured both with and without non-contrast planning CT. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting was performed by two interventional radiologists on nine extremities (five donors) using a broad spectrum of different intravascular devices. RESULTS: The perfusion of the upper leg arteries was successfully established in all fresh-frozen but not in the formalin-fixed cadaver. The experimental setup generated a stable circulation in each procedure (ten upper legs) for a period of more than six hours. Images acquired with CT, DSA and IVUS offered a realistic impression and enabled the sufficient visualization of all examined vessel segments. Arterial cannulating, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty as well as stent deployment were feasible in a way that is comparable to a vascular intervention in vivo. The perfusion model allowed for introduction and testing of previously not used devices. CONCLUSIONS: The continuous femoral perfusion model can be established with moderate effort, works stable, and is utilizable for medical imaging of the peripheral arterial system using CTA, DSA and IVUS. Therefore, it appears suitable for research studies, developing skills in interventional procedures and testing of new or unfamiliar vascular devices.

Is there a weekend effect in emergency surgery for colorectal carcinoma? Analysis from the German StuDoQ registry.

BACKGROUND: Higher postoperative mortality has been observed among patients who received emergency colorectal surgery on the weekend compared to during the week. The aim of this study was to determine whether the weekday of emergency surgery affects the 30-day mortality and postoperative course in emergency colorectal surgery. METHODS: Prospectively acquired data from the 2010-2017 German StuDoQ|Colorectal surgery registries were analysed. Differences in 30-day mortality, transfer and length of stay (MTL30) (primary endpoints), postoperative complications, length of stay and pathological results of resected specimens (secondary endpoints) were assessed. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for postoperative outcome. RESULTS: In total, 1,174 patients were included in the analysis. Major postoperative complications and the need for reoperation were observed more frequently for emergency colorectal surgery performed during the week compared to the weekend (23.01 vs. 15.28%, p = 0.036 and 17.96% vs. 11.11%, p = 0.040, respectively). In contrast, patients who received emergency surgery on the weekend presented with significantly higher UICC tumour stages (UICC III 44.06 vs. 34.15%, p = 0.020) compared to patients with emergency colorectal surgery on a weekday. Emergency surgery performed during the week was an independent risk factor for the development of severe postoperative complications (OR 1.69 [1.04-2.74], p = 0.033) and need for reoperation (OR 1.79 [1.02-3.05], p = 0.041) in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: Emergency surgery for colorectal carcinoma in Germany is performed with equal postoperative MTL30 and mortality throughout the entire week. However, emergency surgery during the week seems to be associated with a higher rate of severe postoperative complications and reoperation.

The Effect of Day of the Week on Morbidity and Mortality From Colorectal and Pancreatic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: A number of studies have revealed higher postoperative mortality after operations that were performed toward the end of the week. It is not yet known whether a day-of-the-week effect exists after visceral surgical procedures for cancer in Germany. METHODS: Data on resections of carcinomas of the colon, rectum (2010-2017), and head of the pancreas (2014-2017) (n = 19 703) that had been prospectively acquired by the Study, Documentation, and Quality Center of the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery were analyzed in relation to the day of the week on which the operation was performed. The primary endpoint was postoperative 30-day mortality; the secondary endpoints were complications, length of hospital stay, and MTL30 (a combined outcome criterion that is positive if the patient has died, is still in the hospital, or has been transferred to another acute care hospital 30 days after the index procedure). RESULTS: Resections of colon carcinomas that were performed on Mondays were associated with more advanced tumor stages (T4: 18.4% vs. 15.7%, p <0.001), higher 30-day mortality (3.5% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.004), and a more frequently positive MTL30 (10.5% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.004). Among patients who underwent pancreatic head resections, those whose procedures were on Tuesday had higher mortality (6.2% vs. 3.8%; p = 0.021). Among those who underwent surgery for rectal carcinoma, the day of the week on which the procedure was performed had no effect on postoperative morality. Multivariate analysis revealed that the independent risk factors for postoperative mortality were colonic resection on a Monday (odds ratio [OR]: 1.45; 95% confidence interval [1.11; 1.92], p = 0.008) and pancreatic head resection on a Tuesday (OR: 1.88 [1.18; 2.91], p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Elective surgery for carcinoma of the colon or pancreatic head is associated with slightly higher mortality if per - formed toward the beginning of the week. On the other hand, the day of the week has no effect on the outcome of surgery for rectal carcinoma.

Pathological complete response due to a prolonged time interval between preoperative chemoradiation and surgery in locally advanced rectal cancer: analysis from the German StuDoQ|Rectalcarcinoma registry.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy is the recommended standard of care for patients with local advanced rectal cancer. However, it remains unclear, whether a prolonged time interval to surgery results in an increased perioperative morbidity, reduced TME quality or better pathological response. Aim of this study was to determine the time interval for best pathological response and perioperative outcome compared to current recommended interval of 6 to 8 weeks. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of the German StuDoQ|Rectalcarcinoma registry. Patients were grouped for the time intervals of "less than 6 weeks", "6 to 8 weeks", "8 to 10 weeks" and "more than 10 weeks". Primary endpoint was pathological response, secondary endpoint TME quality and complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Due to our inclusion criteria (preoperative chemoradiation, surgery in curative intention, M0), 1.809 of 9.560 patients were suitable for analysis. We observed a trend for increased rates of pathological complete response (pCR: ypT0ypN0) and pathological good response (pGR: ypT0-1ypN0) for groups with a prolonged time interval which was not significant. Ultimately, it led to a steady state of pCR (16.5%) and pGR (22.6%) in "8 to 10" and "more than 10" weeks. We were not able to observe any differences between the subgroups in perioperative morbidity, proportion of rectal extirpation (for cancer of the lower third) or difference in TME quality. CONCLUSION: A prolonged time interval between neoadjuvant chemoradiation can be performed, as the rate of pCR seems to be increased without influencing perioperative morbidity.

Mortality and Complications Following Visceral Surgery: A Nationwide Analysis Based on the Diagnostic Categories Used in German Hospital Invoicing Data.

BACKGROUND: The in-hospital mortality after visceral surgery in Germany is unknown. METHODS: In this retrospective, descriptive analysis, nationwide hospital billing data based on diagnosis-related groups (DRG) over the period 2009-2015 were studied to determine the in-hospital mortality, complications and their management, and deaths after documented severe complications (failure to rescue, FTR) after visceral surgery in Germany. Organ-system subgroups were defined and subdivided into frequent operations (inguinal hernia repair, appendectomy, thyroid operations, cholecystec- tomy), colorectal operations, and complex operations (surgery of the esophagus, pancreas, liver, and stomach). RESULTS: 3 287 199 patients from 1392 hospitals were included in the analysis. The in-hospital mortality after visceral surgery was 1.9%. The lowest mortality was after the frequently performed operations (0.04-0.4%), the highest after complex surgery of the esophagus (8.6%) and stomach (11.7%). Severe complications were most commonly seen after complex surgery of the pan- creas (27.7%), liver (24.3%), esophagus (37.8%), and stomach (36.7%). 90.6% of deaths occurred after colorectal or complex operations, which together accounted for 23% of all operations. The FTR rate was 8.4% after appendectomy and cholecystec- tomy (95% confidence interval [8.34; 8.46]) and 20.3% after esophageal surgery ([19.8; 20.8]). CONCLUSION: In Germany, in-hospital mortality after visceral surgery is not uncommon, with a frequency of nearly 2%. Improved complication management after complex operations appears necessary. A limitation of this study is the identification of compli- cations from anonymized billing data.

Laparoscopic versus open right hemicolectomy in colon carcinoma: A propensity score analysis of the DGAV StuDoQ|ColonCancer registry.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether laparoscopy has any advantages over open resection for right-sided colon cancer. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Right hemicolectomy can be performed using either a conventional open or a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. It is not clear whether these different access routes differ with regard to short-term postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Patients documented in the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery StuDoQ|ColonCancer registry who underwent right hemicolectomy were analyzed regarding early postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo (primary endpoint), operation (OP) time, length of postoperative hospital stay (LOS), MTL30 and number of lymph nodes retrieved (secondary endpoints). RESULTS: A total of 4.997 patients were identified as undergoing oncological right hemicolectomy without additional interventions. Of these, 4.062 (81.3%) underwent open, 935 (18.7%) laparoscopic surgery. Propensity score analysis showed a significantly shorter LOS (OR: 0.55 CI 95%0.47-.64) and a significantly longer OP time (OR2.32 CI 1.98-2.71) for the laparoscopic route. Risk factors for postoperative complications, anastomotic insufficiency, ileus, reoperation and positive MTL30 were higher ASA status, higher age and increasing BMI. The surgical access route (open / lap) had no influence on these factors, but the laparoscopic group did have markedly fewer lymph nodes retrieved. CONCLUSION: The present registry-based analysis could detect no relevant advantages for the minimally invasive laparoscopic access route. Further oncological analyses are needed to clarify the extent to which the smaller lymph node harvest in the laparoscopic group is accompanied by a poorer oncological outcome.

Suprapubic bladder drainage and epidural catheters following abdominal surgery-A risk for urinary tract infections?

BACKGROUND: Epidural catheters are state of the art for postoperative analgesic in abdominal surgery. Due to neurolysis it can lead to postoperative urinary tract retention (POUR), which leads to prolonged bladder catheterization, which has an increased risk for urinary tract infections (UTI). Our aim was to identify the current perioperative management of urinary catheters and, second, to identify the optimal time of suprapubic bladder catheter removal in regard to the removal of the epidural catheter. METHODS: We sent a questionnaire to 102 German hospitals and analyzed the 83 received answers to evaluate the current handling of bladder drainage and epidural catheters. Then, we conducted a retrospective study including 501 patients, who received an epidural and suprapubic catheter after abdominal surgery at the University Hospital Würzburg. We divided the patients into three groups according to the point in time of suprapubic bladder drainage removal in regard to the removal of the epidural catheter and analyzed the onset of a UTI. RESULTS: Our survey showed that in almost all hospitals (98.8%), patients received an epidural catheter and a bladder drainage after abdominal surgery. The point in time of urinary catheter removal was equally distributed between before, simultaneously and after the removal of the epidural catheter (respectively: ~28-29%). The retrospective study showed a catheter-associated UTI in 6.7%. Women were affected significantly more often than men (10,7% versus 2,5%, p<0.001). There was a non-significant trend to more UTIs when the suprapubic catheter was removed after the epidural catheter (before: 5.7%, after: 8.4%). CONCLUSION: The point in time of suprapubic bladder drainage removal in relation to the removal of the epidural catheter does not seem to correlate with the rate of UTIs. The current handling in Germany is inhomogeneous, so further studies to standardize treatment are recommended.

Comparison of conventional access routes for right hemicolectomy in colon cancer-data from the DGAV StuDoQ registry.

BACKGROUND: Access for right hemicolectomy can be gained by median or transverse incision laparotomy. It is not known whether these routes differ with regard to short-term postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Patients in the DGAV StuDoQ|ColonCancer registry who underwent open oncological right hemicolectomy by median (n = 2389) or transverse laparotomy (n = 1311) were compared regarding Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) complications (primary endpoint) as well as specific postoperative complications, operation time, length of stay, and MTL30 status (secondary endpoints). RESULTS: A total of 3700 StuDoQ registry patients underwent open oncological right hemicolectomy by median (n = 2389) or transverse laparotomy (n = 1311) without additional interventions. The median and transverse access routes did not differ regarding CDC complication rates (CDC > =3a: 13.1% vs. 12.6%; p = 0.90). However, univariate and multivariate analyses showed that operation times (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.62-0.81; p < 0.001), length of stay (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.6-079; p < 0.001), and MTL30 (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.61-0.81, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced in the transverse laparotomy group. CONCLUSIONS: For oncological right hemicolectomy, open transverse upper abdominal laparotomy appears to be superior to median laparotomy in short-term course.

Laparoscopic right-sided colon resection for colon cancer-has the control group so far been chosen correctly?

BACKGROUND: The treatment strategies for colorectal cancer located in the right side of the colon have changed dramatically during the last decade. Due to the introduction of complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central ligation of the vessels and systematic lymph node dissection, the long-term survival of affected patients has increased significantly. It has also been proposed that right-sided colon resection can be performed laparoscopically with the same extent of resection and equal long-term results. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of a prospectively expanded database on right-sided colorectal cancer or adenoma treated at the University Hospital of Wuerzburg between 2009 and 2016 was performed. All patients underwent CME. This data was analyzed alone and in comparison to the published data describing laparoscopic right-sided colon resection for colon cancer. RESULTS: The database contains 279 patients, who underwent right-sided colon resection due to colorectal cancer or colorectal adenoma (255 open; 24 laparoscopic). Operation data (time, length of stay, time on ICU) was equal or superior to laparoscopy, which is comparable to the published results. Surprisingly, the surrogate parameter for correct CME (the number of removed lymph nodes) was significantly higher in the open group. In a subgroup analysis only including patients who were feasible for laparoscopic resection and had been operated with an open procedure by an experienced surgeon, operation time was significantly shorter and the number of removed lymph nodes is significantly higher in the open group. CONCLUSION: So far, several studies demonstrate that laparoscopic right-sided colon resection is comparable to open resection. Our data suggests that a consequent CME during an open operation leads to significantly more removed lymph nodes than in laparoscopically resected patients and in several so far published data of open control groups from Europe. Further prospective randomized trials comparing the long-term outcome are urgently needed before laparoscopy for right-sided colon resection can be recommended ubiquitously.

Impact of adjuvant chemotherapy after neoadjuvant radio- or radiochemotherapy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Due to its primarily extraperitoneal location, potential affection of the anorectal continence and different metastatic behavior the rectal carcinoma (RC) is classified and treated as an independent disease. Over the past few decades various trials have led to improved multimodal therapies (including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery) for locally advanced rectal cancer and significant changes in the management of this disease whereas the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy remains unclear. METHODS: Based on a prospective tumor register of the University Hospital of Wuerzburg data of 263 patients having undergone neoadjuvant therapy and surgical resection for locally advanced rectal cancer were retrieved from the Wuerzburg International database (WID) between October 1992 and September 2013 analyzing the overall survival according to the application of an adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 263 patients with a median age of 65 years (27-89 years), mostly male gender (n = 191; 72.6%) and an ASA performance score of II or III. 143 patients (54.3%) received an adjuvant therapy. Those patients have been significant younger (median 10 years; p < 0.05) and in a better general condition (ASA-score; p < 0.05). The tumor specific overall survival of adjuvant treated patients was significant better (5-years overall-survival 87.4%; p = 0.025) than the surveillance group. In the performed subgroup analysis no significant differences in overall survival according to the kind of neoadjuvant therapy (radiation vs. radiochemotherapy) have been found whereas patients in lower UICC-stages (ypUICC 0 + I) had a significant benefit by receiving a postoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: We considered patients with locally advanced rectal cancer have a significant benefit in overall survival by receiving an adjuvant chemotherapy especially in lower pathological tumor stage (ypUICC 0 + I). Especially because of the heterogeneity of our study population prospective randomized trials are necessary to determine the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.

Original article: role of adjuvant chemotherapy in a perioperative chemotherapy regimen for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal treatment strategies - perioperative chemotherapy (CTx) and radical surgery - are currently accepted as treatment standard for locally advanced gastric cancer. However, the role of adjuvant postoperative CTx (postCTx) in addition to neoadjuvant preoperative CTx (preCTx) in this setting remains controversial. METHODS: Between 4/2006 and 12/2013, 116 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer were treated with preCTx. 72 patients (62 %), in whom complete tumor resection (R0, subtotal/total gastrectomy with D2-lymphadenectomy) was achieved, were divided into two groups, one of which receiving adjuvant therapy (n = 52) and one without (n = 20). These groups were analyzed with regard to survival and exclusion criteria for adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: Postoperative complications, as well as their severity grade, did not correlate with fewer postCTx cycles administered (p = n.s.). Long-term survival was shorter in patients receiving postCTx in comparison to patients without postCTx, but did not show statistical significance. In per protocol analysis by excluding two patients with perioperative death, a shorter 3-year survival rate was observed in patients receiving postCTx compared to patients without postCTx (3-year survival: 71.2 % postCTx group vs. 90.0 % non-postCTx group; p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: These results appear contradicting to the anticipated outcome. While speculative, they question the value of post-CTx. Prospectively randomized studies are needed to elucidate the role of postCTx.